Anthtopology
Ana Bénard da Costa
Cristina Udelsmann Rodrigues
Abstract
This paper outlines the results of a comparative assessment of both the family structures and the coping and social reproduction strategies adopted by peri-urban families in Luanda and Maputo, in the context of accelerated urban growth and generalised crisis brought about by war and rapid social/economic transformations.
We argue that in such a context the family forms the fundamental social and economic coping unit of suburban dwellers. Individuals as parts of extremely dynamic, flexible and adaptable social units - the family structures - interact by creating and pursuing strategies that ensure both their everyday survival and the long-term reproduction of their families.
The comparative analysis of these coping and social reproduction strategies and of the underlying family structures in suburban Luanda and Maputo led us to conclude that there are no substantial differences concerning these aspects between the families subject to our inquiry in the two cities, despite some essential differences in the social, economic and political frameworks. In both cities the extended family predominates. Family members develop and pursue their strategies as part of a general pattern based on the spatial dispersion of the members, the variety of their activities and the pooling of the families' resources.
Finally, we argue that the flexibility found in the coping and social reproduction strategies equally characterises the solidarity networks. However, even though there certainly are vital extra-family bonds of reciprocity and complementarity (among which neighbourhood relations and religious groups stand out), the scope covered by these latter type of networks is by no means as comprehensive and diversified as the one covered by family bonds. Both the families' coping and social reproduction strategies as well as the solidarity networks are key factors to successful urban integration and to solving the problems associated with rapid socio-economic change in Luanda and Maputo.
